Quick summary
- Navigating the world of Wi-Fi routers can be a daunting task, especially when faced with the choice between two highly-rated options like the TP-Link Archer AX73 and the ASUS RT-AX58U.
- The Archer AX73 offers a slightly lower price point, while the RT-AX58U provides a higher maximum Wi-Fi speed and more advanced gaming features.
- The design preference is subjective, but the Archer AX73 has a more sleek and compact design, while the RT-AX58U has a more angular and aggressive look.
Navigating the world of Wi-Fi routers can be a daunting task, especially when faced with the choice between two highly-rated options like the TP-Link Archer AX73 and the ASUS RT-AX58U. Both routers boast impressive features and promise to enhance your home network experience. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between these two routers to help you make an informed decision.
Performance
Wi-Fi Speed
The TP-Link Archer AX73 and the ASUS RT-AX58U are both dual-band routers, supporting both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. The Archer AX73 offers a maximum theoretical speed of 2402Mbps (574Mbps on 2.4GHz and 1828Mbps on 5GHz), while the RT-AX58U provides a slightly higher maximum speed of 2976Mbps (574Mbps on 2.4GHz and 2402Mbps on 5GHz).
Wi-Fi Coverage
Both routers have a similar coverage range, reaching up to 2,000 square feet. However, the Archer AX73 employs beamforming technology, which focuses the Wi-Fi signal towards connected devices, potentially improving signal strength and stability in certain areas.
Features
Parental Controls
Both routers offer robust parental control features, allowing you to manage your children’s internet usage. The Archer AX73 includes TP-Link’s HomeCare service, which provides advanced security features and parental controls. The RT-AX58U, on the other hand, features ASUS AiProtection Pro, which offers similar protection and control options.
QoS (Quality of Service)
QoS is a feature that prioritizes network traffic based on specific criteria. Both routers support QoS, allowing you to prioritize bandwidth for specific devices or applications. The Archer AX73 uses TP-Link’s Adaptive QoS, which automatically optimizes bandwidth allocation based on real-time usage, while the RT-AX58U provides manual QoS configuration options.
Gaming Features
The TP-Link Archer AX73 and the ASUS RT-AX58U both cater to gamers with specialized features. The Archer AX73 includes Game Accelerator, which optimizes the router’s settings for online gaming, reducing latency and improving responsiveness. The RT-AX58U features the ASUS Game Boost function, which prioritizes gaming traffic and offers a dedicated gaming port for wired connections.
Design
The Archer AX73 has a sleek and compact design, with four adjustable antennas. The RT-AX58U, on the other hand, has a more angular and aggressive design, with eight non-adjustable antennas. Both routers feature LED indicators for status and connectivity.
Price
The TP-Link Archer AX73 is typically priced around $100-$120, while the ASUS RT-AX58U is slightly more expensive, ranging from $120-$140.
Takeaways: Which Router is Right for You?
The TP-Link Archer AX73 and the ASUS RT-AX58U are both excellent dual-band routers with a range of features and capabilities. The Archer AX73 offers a slightly lower price point, while the RT-AX58U provides a higher maximum Wi-Fi speed and more advanced gaming features.
Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for an affordable router with solid performance and parental controls, the Archer AX73 is a great option. If you prioritize maximum speed, advanced gaming features, and a more aggressive design, the RT-AX58U is worth considering.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Which router offers better parental controls?
Both routers offer robust parental control features, but the TP-Link Archer AX73 may have a slight edge with its HomeCare service.
Which router has a stronger Wi-Fi signal?
Both routers have similar coverage ranges, but the Archer AX73’s beamforming technology may provide better signal strength in certain areas.
Which router is better for gaming?
The ASUS RT-AX58U offers more advanced gaming features, including a dedicated gaming port and the ASUS Game Boost function.
Which router is more affordable?
The TP-Link Archer AX73 is typically priced slightly lower than the ASUS RT-AX58U.
Which router has a better design?
The design preference is subjective, but the Archer AX73 has a more sleek and compact design, while the RT-AX58U has a more angular and aggressive look.